WOLFISM VI from Wolfie's blog

The Devil Inside lives by jungle justice.

First, whatever dares to interfere with me, must be interfered with. Even that which is more powerful than me, must be brought to heel. I once became convinced an executive was preparing to scapegoat me. I immediately began talking to key individuals about how this executive was making himself an obstacle to the success of a major initiative. In short order, the executive was transitioned out of the program, rendering him irrelevant to me from that day forward. He never saw the hand that dealt the blow. He didn’t even know a blow had been struck. One day he was there, and the next he was gone, one of those random mysteries of life.

Second, I give my help only to those who acknowledge debts of gratitude. I actually look for opportunities to help such people. I see it as planting seeds for future harvesting. Nor do I limit myself to helping the rich and powerful. Many’s the poor man who has his finger on a lever in some mechanism that keeps the world running. All that matters is that the poor man be the type to remember his debt to me. Meanwhile, the rich man who wants something for nothing will get precisely nothing if he comes to me for help, as will the poor man who tries to manipulate me with guilt.  

Third, I acknowledge my own debts of gratitude and pay them. This is how ecosystems remain balanced. What takes must also give when its turn rolls around, else the food chain, at its weakest link, will snap. But also there’s my reputation to think of. If I become known as an ingrate, those who might have helped me in the future will turn away from me. Better to be known as one who never forgets a kindness. And then there’s pride, one of the primal appetites of the Devil Inside. The ape man feels as tough and regal as a silverback when he repays a favor.

Fourth, I don’t allow so-called family or so-called friends to mooch off me or otherwise take advantage of me. A long-term relationship can certainly serve as legitimate currency for procuring time or resources, but only on occasion and within reason, and only if what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. The plundering hand of the freeloader must be bitten. The parasite must be made to flee for its life. I don’t live for the sake of others. Not even for family or friends. My time and my resources are mine, not theirs, and no relationship is sufficient currency to procure my slave labor or turn my kitchen into someone else’s food pantry.

For every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction. ISCHYROS DIAVOLOS!